US20150236111A1 - Methods of manufacturing non-volatile memory devices - Google Patents
Methods of manufacturing non-volatile memory devices Download PDFInfo
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- US20150236111A1 US20150236111A1 US14/683,635 US201514683635A US2015236111A1 US 20150236111 A1 US20150236111 A1 US 20150236111A1 US 201514683635 A US201514683635 A US 201514683635A US 2015236111 A1 US2015236111 A1 US 2015236111A1
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- air gap
- layer pattern
- volatile memory
- gate structures
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- H01L29/423—Electrodes ; Multistep manufacturing processes therefor characterised by their shape, relative sizes or dispositions not carrying the current to be rectified, amplified or switched
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- H01L21/18—Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof the devices having at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier, e.g. PN junction, depletion layer or carrier concentration layer the devices having semiconductor bodies comprising elements of Group IV of the Periodic System or AIIIBV compounds with or without impurities, e.g. doping materials
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- H01L29/66227—Multistep manufacturing processes of devices having semiconductor bodies comprising group 14 or group 13/15 materials the devices being controllable only by the electric current supplied or the electric potential applied, to an electrode which does not carry the current to be rectified, amplified or switched, e.g. three-terminal devices
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- H01L21/768—Applying interconnections to be used for carrying current between separate components within a device comprising conductors and dielectrics
- H01L21/76801—Applying interconnections to be used for carrying current between separate components within a device comprising conductors and dielectrics characterised by the formation and the after-treatment of the dielectrics, e.g. smoothing
- H01L21/7682—Applying interconnections to be used for carrying current between separate components within a device comprising conductors and dielectrics characterised by the formation and the after-treatment of the dielectrics, e.g. smoothing the dielectric comprising air gaps
Definitions
- Example embodiments provide non-volatile memory devices having an air gap for reducing a parasitic capacitance and a channel coupling effectively.
- Example embodiments provide methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device.
- a non-volatile memory device includes gate structures, an insulation layer pattern and an isolation structure.
- a substrate includes active regions and field regions alternately and repeatedly formed in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction. Multiple gate structures on the substrate are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Each of the gate structures extends in the second direction.
- the insulation layer pattern having a second air gap therein is formed between the gate structures.
- the isolation structures on the substrate in each field region extend in the first direction and have a first air gap between the gate structures, the insulation layer pattern, and the isolation structure.
- the active regions of the substrate may protrude from the field regions of the substrate.
- the isolation structure may include a liner and a filling layer sequentially stacked on the substrate in each field regions.
- the liner may surround sidewalls of the protruded active regions and have a cup-shape of which a central portion is empty, and the filling layer may partially fill the empty central portion of the liner.
- the first air gap may be defined by a top surface of the filling layer, a sidewall of the liner, a bottom surface of the gate structures, and a bottom surface of the insulation layer pattern.
- each of the gate structures may include a tunnel insulation layer pattern, a floating gate electrode, a dielectric layer pattern, and a control gate electrode sequentially stacked on the substrate.
- the tunnel insulation layer pattern and the floating gate electrode may be formed only in the active regions and the dielectric layer pattern, and the control gate electrode may extend in the second direction in both of the active regions and the field regions.
- the first air gap may be defined by the isolation structure, a bottom surface of the dielectric layer pattern, and a bottom surface of the insulation layer pattern.
- the first air gap may have a bottom surface lower than that of the tunnel insulation layer pattern and a top surface higher than a bottom surface of the floating gate electrode.
- the first air gap and second air gaps may be in fluid communication with each other.
- the insulation layer pattern may be also formed on a top surface of the isolation structure and on bottom surfaces of the gate structures, so that the first air gap may be formed in the insulation layer pattern.
- first air gap and the second air gap may be in fluid communication with each other.
- the non-volatile memory device includes spacers on sidewalls of the gate structures, and the insulation layer pattern may be formed between the spacers.
- first air gap may extend in the first direction
- second air gap may extend in the second direction
- a non-volatile memory device there are provided methods of manufacturing a non-volatile memory device.
- multiple gate structures are formed on a substrate.
- the substrate is divided into active regions and field regions alternately and repeatedly formed in a second direction.
- Each of the active regions and the field regions extends in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction.
- the gate structures spaced apart from each other in the first direction.
- Each of the gate structures extends in the second direction.
- An insulation layer pattern is formed between the gate structures.
- the insulation layer pattern has a second air gap therein.
- An isolation structure is formed on the substrate in each field region.
- the isolation structures extend in the first direction and have a first air gap between the gate structures, the second insulation layer pattern, and the isolation structure.
- a tunnel insulation layer and a floating gate electrode layer are sequentially formed on a substrate.
- a preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern, a preliminary floating gate electrode, and a trench are formed by respectively etching the tunnel insulation layer, the floating gate electrode layer, and an upper portion of the substrate.
- a first insulation layer pattern is formed to partially fill the trench.
- a dielectric layer and a control gate electrode layer are formed on the preliminary floating gate electrode and the first insulation layer pattern.
- the control gate electrode layer, the dielectric layer, the preliminary floating gate electrode, and the preliminary tunnel dielectric layer pattern are patterned to form gate structures including a control gate electrode, a dielectric layer pattern, a floating gate electrode, and a tunnel dielectric layer pattern and to partially expose the first insulation layer structure pattern.
- a first air gap is formed by removing the exposed the first insulation layer structure pattern.
- a second insulation layer pattern is formed between the gate structures, the second insulation layer pattern having a second air gap.
- the first insulation layer structure pattern may partially fill a gap formed between the preliminary tunnel dielectric layer pattern and the preliminary floating gate electrode.
- the first insulation layer structure pattern may include a liner, a first filling layer, and a second filling layer.
- the liner may cover an inside of the trench, a sidewall of the preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern, and a portion of a sidewall of the preliminary floating gate electrode.
- the liner may have an empty cup-shape.
- the first filling layer on the liner partially may fill the liner.
- the second filling layer on the first filling layer may fill a remaining portion of the liner.
- Some embodiments provide that forming a first air gap by partially removing the first insulation layer structure pattern may include removing the second filling layer.
- the first air gap and the second air gap may be connected to each other.
- a non-volatile memory device may have a relatively low channel coupling by a first air gap between active regions. Some embodiments provide that the non-volatile memory device may have a relatively low parasitic capacitance by a second air gap between word lines. Accordingly, the non-volatile memory device may have good electrical characteristics.
- FIGS. 1 to 16 represent non-limiting, example embodiments as described herein.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the non-volatile memory device in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the non-volatile memory device in FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 4 to 8 are cross-sectional views illustrating methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device in FIGS. 1 to 3 in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein.
- FIGS. 9 to 12 are perspective views illustrating methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device in FIGS. 1 to 3 in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the non-volatile memory device in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein.
- FIG. 16 a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein.
- first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concept.
- spatially relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized example embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region.
- a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place.
- the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the present inventive concept.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the non-volatile memory device in FIG. 1
- FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the non-volatile memory device in FIG. 1 .
- the non-volatile memory device may include a plurality of gate structures 200 spaced apart from each other on a substrate 100 in a first direction, each of which may extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a second insulation layer pattern 220 having a second air gap 222 therein between the gate structures 200 , and isolation structures each of which may extend in the first direction and have a first air gap 146 between the gate structures 200 and the isolation structure.
- the term “air gap” may refer to a void in a structure that includes one or more solid components and is not limited to a particular gaseous composition therein.
- the non-volatile memory device may further include spacers 190 each of which may be formed on a portion of a sidewall of each gate structure 200 .
- the substrate 100 may be divided into a field region in which the isolation structures may be formed, and an active region in which the isolation structures may not be formed.
- Each isolation structure may be formed in a trench 130 extending in the first direction on the substrate 100 , and thus the active region may also extend in the first direction.
- the active region of the substrate 100 may protrude from the field region of the substrate 100 .
- the active region and the field region may be formed alternately and repeatedly in the second direction.
- Each gate structure 200 may include a tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 b , a floating gate electrode 120 b , a dielectric layer pattern 160 a and a control gate electrode 170 a sequentially stacked on the substrate 100 and the isolation structures.
- the tunnel insulation layer patterns 110 b may have an isolated shape from each other in the active regions. That is, a plurality of tunnel insulation layer patterns 110 b may be formed in the first direction in each active region, and further a plurality of tunnel insulation layer patterns 110 b may be formed in the second direction in the active regions.
- the tunnel insulation layer patterns 110 b may include silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and/or silicon oxide doped with impurities.
- the floating gate electrodes 120 b may be formed on the tunnel insulation layer patterns 110 b .
- the floating gate electrodes 120 b may also have an isolated shape from each other, i.e., a plurality of floating gate electrodes 120 b may be formed in both of the first and second directions, respectively.
- the floating gate electrodes 120 b may include polysilicon doped with n-type impurities such as arsenic or phosphorus.
- the dielectric layer patterns 160 a may be formed on the floating gate electrodes 120 b and the isolation structures in the first direction, and each of the dielectric layer patterns 160 a may extend in the second direction.
- the first air gap 146 may be formed between the isolation structure and the dielectric layer pattern 160 a .
- the dielectric layer patterns 160 a may include silicon oxide or silicon nitride.
- each dielectric layer pattern 160 a may include a multi-layered structure having a silicon oxide layer pattern 162 a , a silicon nitride layer pattern 164 a , and a silicon oxide layer pattern 166 a .
- each dielectric layer pattern 160 a may include a metal oxide having a relatively high dielectric constant, thereby to increase capacitance and improve leakage current characteristics.
- the metal oxide having a relatively high dielectric constant may include hafnium oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, zirconium oxide, and/or aluminum oxide, among others. These may be used alone or in a combination thereof.
- the control gate electrodes 170 a may be formed on the dielectric layer patterns 160 a . Thus, a plurality of control gate electrodes 170 a may be formed in the first direction, and each of the control gate electrodes 170 a may extend in the second direction. Some embodiments provide that the control gate electrodes 170 a may serve as word lines.
- the control gate electrodes 170 a may include a metal or polysilicon doped with n-type impurities.
- Each isolation structure may include a liner 140 a and a first filling layer 142 .
- the liner 140 a may be formed on an inner wall of the trench 130 and a sidewall of a lower portion of the gate structure 200 .
- the liner 140 a may have a top surface higher than that of the tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 b .
- the liner 140 a may cover a portion of the substrate 100 exposed by the trench 130 , a sidewall of the tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 b and a sidewall of a lower portion of the floating gate electrode 120 b .
- the liner 140 a may include an oxide.
- the first filling layer 142 may be formed on a portion of the liner 140 a .
- the first filling layer also may extend in the first direction, and a plurality of first filling layers 142 may be formed in the second direction.
- the first filling layer 142 may not completely fill the trench 130 , and a top surface of the first filling layer 142 may be lower than a bottom surface of the tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 b .
- the first filling layer 142 may include silicon oxide such as boro phospho silicate glass (BPSG), phospho silicate glass (PSG), undoped silicate glass (USG), spin on glass (SOG), flowable oxide (FOX), tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), plasma enhanced-TEOS (PE-TEOS), and/or high-density plasma-chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) oxide, among others.
- silicon oxide such as boro phospho silicate glass (BPSG), phospho silicate glass (PSG), undoped silicate glass (USG), spin on glass (SOG), flowable oxide (FOX), tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), plasma enhanced-TEOS (PE-TEOS), and/or high-density plasma-chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) oxide, among others.
- BPSG boro phospho silicate glass
- PSG phospho silicate glass
- USG undoped silicate glass
- SOG spin on glass
- the first air gap 146 formed between the liner 140 a , the first filling layer 142 , the dielectric layer pattern 160 a , the second insulation layer pattern 220 , and the spacer 190 may extend in the first direction, and a plurality of first air gaps 146 may be formed in the second direction.
- the top surface of the first filling layer 142 may be lower than the bottom surface of the tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 b , and thus a bottom surface of the first air gap 146 may be lower than a bottom surface of the gate structures 200 .
- a channel coupling between the active regions may be reduced to improve programming characteristics of the non-volatile memory device.
- the second insulation layer pattern 220 may be formed between the spacers 190 on a portion of sidewalls of the gate structures 200 .
- the second insulation layer pattern 220 may extend in the second direction, and a plurality of second insulation layer patterns 220 may be formed in the first direction.
- the second insulation layer pattern 220 may include silicon oxide such as a plasma enhanced oxide (PEOX) or a medium temperature oxide (MTO), among others.
- the second air gap 222 may extend in the second direction. As the second air gap 222 is formed between the gate structures 200 , a channel coupling between the word lines may be reduced to improve programming characteristics of the non-volatile memory device.
- the spacers 190 may be formed on sidewalls of the dielectric layer pattern 160 a and the control gate electrode 170 a .
- the spacers 190 may extend in the second direction.
- a parasitic capacitance and the channel coupling may be reduced by the first air gap 146 between the active regions and the second air gap 222 between the word lines, and thus the non-volatile memory device may have desired programming characteristics.
- FIGS. 4 to 8 are cross-sectional views illustrating methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device in FIGS. 1 to 3 in accordance with some embodiments
- FIGS. 9 to 11 are perspective views illustrating methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device in FIGS. 1 to 3 in accordance with some embodiments.
- a tunnel insulation layer 110 , a floating gate electrode layer 120 , and a first mask 122 may be formed, sequentially, on a substrate 100 .
- the substrate 100 may include a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon substrate, a germanium substrate and a silicon-germanium substrate, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, and/or a germanium-on-insulator (GOI) substrate, among others.
- a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon substrate, a germanium substrate and a silicon-germanium substrate, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, and/or a germanium-on-insulator (GOI) substrate, among others.
- the tunnel insulation layer 110 may be formed using silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxide doped with impurities. In some embodiments, tunnel insulation layer 110 may be formed by thermally oxidizing a top surface of the substrate 100 .
- the floating gate electrode layer 120 may be formed using polysilicon doped with impurities or a metal having a high work function such as tungsten, titanium, cobalt, and/or nickel, among others.
- the floating gate electrode layer 120 may be formed by depositing a polysilicon layer through a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process and doping n-type impurities into the polysilicon layer.
- LPCVD low pressure chemical vapor deposition
- the floating gate electrode layer 120 may be formed to have a thickness equal to or more than about 1000 ⁇ (Angstroms).
- the first mask 122 may be a photoresist pattern or a hard mask. In some embodiments, the first mask 122 may have a linear shape extending in a first direction.
- the floating gate electrode layer 120 and the tunnel insulation layer 110 and an upper portion of the substrate 100 may be sequentially etched using the first mask 122 as an etching mask.
- a preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 a and a preliminary floating gate electrode 120 a may be sequentially stacked on the substrate 100 and a trench 130 may be formed on the substrate 100 .
- Each of the preliminary floating gate electrode 120 a and the preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 a may be formed to have a linear shape extending in the first direction, and a plurality of preliminary floating gate electrodes 120 a and a plurality of preliminary tunnel insulation layer patterns 110 a may be formed in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
- the trench 130 may extend in the first direction, and a plurality of trenches 130 spaced apart from each other may be formed in the second direction.
- a structure including the preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 a , the preliminary floating gate electrode 120 a and the first mask 122 may be defined as a preliminary floating gate structure, and a space between the preliminary floating gate structures may be defined as a first gap 135 .
- a portion of the substrate 100 on which the trench 130 is formed may be defined as a field region, and a portion of the substrate 100 on which the trench 130 is not formed may be defined as an active region.
- a liner layer 140 may be formed on inner walls of the trench 130 and the first gap 135 , and first and second filling layers 142 and 144 filling remaining portions of the trench 130 and the first gap 135 may be sequentially formed on the liner layer 140 .
- the first and second filling layers 142 and 144 and the liner 140 may define a first insulation layer structure 150 .
- the liner layer 140 may be formed using an oxide. Widths of the trench 130 and the first gap 135 may be reduced by the liner layer 140 .
- the first filling layer 142 may be formed to have a top surface lower than a bottom surface of the preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 a .
- the first filling layer 142 may be formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, a high-density plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) process and/or an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, among others.
- CVD chemical vapor deposition
- PECVD plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
- HDP-CVD high-density plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
- ALD atomic layer deposition
- the first filling layer 142 may be formed using silicon oxide such as boro phospho silicate glass (BPSG), phospho silicate glass (PSG), undoped silicate glass (USG), spin on glass (SOG), flowable oxide (FOX), tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), plasma enhanced-TEOS (PE-TEOS), and/or high-density plasma-chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) oxide, among others.
- silicon oxide such as boro phospho silicate glass (BPSG), phospho silicate glass (PSG), undoped silicate glass (USG), spin on glass (SOG), flowable oxide (FOX), tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), plasma enhanced-TEOS (PE-TEOS), and/or high-density plasma-chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) oxide, among others.
- BPSG boro phospho silicate glass
- PSG phospho silicate glass
- USG undoped silicate glass
- SOG spin on
- the second filling layer 144 may have a top surface substantially the same height as that of the first mask 122 .
- the second filling layer 144 may be formed by a CVD process, a PECVD process, a HDP-CVD process or an ALD process.
- the second filling layer 144 may be formed using a material having a wet etch selectivity with respect to silicon oxide such as spin-on-hardmask(SOH), spin-on-glass(SOG), anti-carbon-layer(ACL), and/or silicon germanium(SiGe), among others.
- an upper portion of the first insulation layer structure 150 may be removed to form a first insulation layer structure pattern 150 a , and thus an upper portion of the preliminary floating gate structure may be exposed.
- first insulation layer structure pattern 150 a may be formed to include a liner 140 a , the first filling layer 142 , and a second filling layer pattern 144 a filling the trench 130 and a portion of the first gap 135 .
- the first insulation layer structure pattern 150 a may be formed to have a top surface higher than that of the preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 a .
- the first insulation layer structure pattern 150 a may be formed by an etch-back process.
- the first mask 122 may be removed.
- a dielectric layer 160 may be formed on the exposed preliminary floating gate structure and the top surface of the first insulation layer structure pattern 150 a .
- a control gate electrode layer 170 filling a remaining portion of the first gap 135 may be formed on the dielectric layer 160 .
- the dielectric layer 160 may be formed using silicon oxide or silicon nitride. In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 160 may be formed using a multi-layered structure including a silicon oxide layer 162 , a silicon nitride layer 164 , and a silicon oxide layer 166 . Some embodiments provide that the dielectric layer 160 may be formed using a metal oxide having a relatively high dielectric constant, which may increase capacitance and improve leakage current characteristics. Examples of the metal oxide having a relatively high dielectric constant may include hafnium oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, zirconium oxide, and/or aluminum oxide, among others.
- the control gate electrode layer 170 may be formed using polysilicon doped with impurities, a metal, a metal nitride, and/or a metal silicide, among others. In some embodiments, the control gate electrode layer 170 may be formed using polysilicon doped with n-type impurities.
- a second mask (not illustrated) having a linear shape extending in the second direction may be formed on the control gate electrode layer 170 .
- the control gate electrode layer 170 , the dielectric layer 160 , the preliminary floating gate electrode 120 a , and the preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 a may be etched using the second mask as an etching mask.
- a plurality of gate structures each of which may include a tunnel insulation layer pattern 110 b , a floating gate electrode 120 b , a dielectric layer pattern 160 a and a control gate electrode 170 a sequentially stacked on the substrate 100 , may be formed in the first direction, and a second gap 180 may be formed between the gate structures 200 .
- the tunnel insulation layer patterns 110 b and the floating gate electrodes 120 b may be formed to have an island shape in the active region on the substrate 100 .
- Ones of the dielectric layer patterns 160 a and the control gate electrodes 170 a may be formed to extend in the second direction.
- the control gate electrodes 170 a may serve as word lines.
- spacers 190 may be formed on sidewalls of the gate structures 200 .
- the spacers 190 may be formed using silicon oxide or silicon nitride. While performing an etching process, damage to the tunnel insulation layer patterns 110 b and the dielectric layer patterns 160 a included in the gate structures 200 may be reduced or prevented by the spacers 190 .
- the second filling layer pattern 144 a may be removed.
- the second filling layer pattern 144 a may be removed using a wet etching solution having a relatively high etch selectivity between the first filling layer 142 and the second filling layer pattern 144 a .
- a wet etching solution having a relatively high etch selectivity between the first filling layer 142 and the second filling layer pattern 144 a .
- a second insulation layer pattern 220 partially filling the second gap 180 may be formed between the gate structures 200 .
- a process having a relatively low step coverage may be performed using silicon oxide such as a plasma enhanced oxide (PEOX) or a medium temperature oxide (MTO) so that a second insulation layer partially filling the second gap 180 may be formed on and between the gate structures 200 .
- a second air gap 222 may be formed in the second insulation layer.
- the second air gap 222 may be formed to extend in the second direction.
- An upper portion of the second insulation layer on the gate structures 200 may be removed to form the second insulation layer pattern 220 .
- the second insulation layer pattern 220 may not be formed in the third gap 146 .
- the third gap 146 may be referred to as a first air gap 146 and, as described above, the first air gap 146 may extend in the first direction.
- the first air gap 146 may be formed to have a bottom surface lower than those of the gate structures 200 .
- the first air gap 146 may be formed to have a top surface higher than a bottom surface of the floating gate electrode 120 b.
- the liner 140 a and the first filling layer 142 may be formed between the active regions to form an isolation structure.
- the first air gap 146 may be located between the dielectric layer pattern 160 a and the isolation structure.
- Wirings such as a common source line (not illustrated), a bit line (not illustrated), etc. may be formed to complete the non-volatile memory device.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments
- FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the non-volatile memory device in FIG. 13 .
- the non-volatile memory device may be substantially the same as or similar to a non-volatile memory device of FIG. 1 , except for shapes of a second insulation layer pattern and a first air gap.
- like reference numerals refer to like elements, and detailed descriptions thereabout may be omitted here.
- a second insulation layer pattern 225 may be formed not only between spacers 190 but also on a top surface of a first filling layer 142 , sidewalls of liner 140 a , and a bottom surface of a dielectric layer pattern 160 a , and thus the second insulation layer pattern 225 may include not only a second air gap 222 but also a first air gap 152 therein.
- a portion of the second insulation layer pattern 225 adjacent the liner 140 a , the first filling layer 142 , and the first air gap 152 may be included in an isolation structure.
- the non-volatile memory device may be fabricated by methods substantially the same as or similar to methods illustrated with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11 .
- a second insulation layer may be formed, and an upper portion of the second insulation layer may be removed to form a second insulation layer pattern 225 .
- the second insulation layer may be formed on an inner wall of a third gap 146 , and thus the second insulation layer pattern 225 including first and second air gaps 152 and 222 therein may be formed.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments.
- the non-volatile memory device may be substantially the same as or similar to a non-volatile memory device of FIG. 1 , except for shapes of a second insulation layer pattern and a second air gap.
- like reference numerals refer to like elements and detailed descriptions thereabout may be omitted here.
- a second air gap 224 may be in fluid communication with a first air gap 146 to form a first air gap structure 230 .
- the second air gap 224 may not be completely surrounded by a second insulation layer pattern 227 . That is, the second air gap 224 may be a recess beneath a lower portion of the second insulation layer pattern 227 .
- the non-volatile memory device may be fabricated by methods substantially the same as or similar to methods illustrated with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11 .
- a second insulation layer may be formed, and an upper portion of the second insulation layer may be removed to form a second insulation layer pattern 227 .
- the second insulation layer may be formed so that a second air gap 224 may be in fluid communication with a first air gap 146 , and thus the non-volatile memory device may be fabricated.
- FIG. 16 a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments.
- the non-volatile memory device may be substantially the same as or similar to a non-volatile memory device of FIG. 1 , except for shapes of a second insulation layer pattern and a second air gap.
- like reference numerals refer to like elements and detailed descriptions thereabout may be omitted here.
- a second insulation layer pattern 229 may be formed not only between spacers 190 but also on a top surface of a first filling layer 142 , sidewalls of a liner 140 a , and a bottom surface of a dielectric layer pattern 160 a , and thus the second insulation layer pattern 229 may include a first air gap 152 therein.
- a portion of the second insulation layer pattern 229 adjacent the liner 140 a , the first filling layer 142 , and the first air gap 152 may be included in an isolation structure.
- a second air gap 224 may be in fluid communication with the first air gap 152 , and thus a second air gap structure 235 may be formed.
- the non-volatile memory device may be fabricated by methods substantially same as or similar to methods illustrated with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11 .
- a second insulation layer may be formed, and an upper portion of the second insulation layer may be removed to form a second insulation layer pattern 229 .
- the second insulation layer may be formed on an inner wall of a third gap 146 , and thus the second insulation layer pattern 229 including a first air gaps 152 therein may be formed.
- the second insulation layer may be formed so that a second air gap 224 may be in fluid communication with a first air gap 152 , and thus the non-volatile memory device may be fabricated.
Abstract
A non-volatile memory device includes gate structures, an insulation layer pattern, and an isolation structure. Multiple gate structures being spaced apart from each other in a first direction are formed on a substrate. Ones of the gate structures extend in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The substrate includes active regions and field regions alternately and repeatedly formed in the second direction. The insulation layer pattern is formed between the gate structures and has a second air gap therein. Each of the isolation structures extending in the first direction and having a first air gap between the gate structures, the insulation layer pattern, and the isolation structure is formed on the substrate in each field region.
Description
- This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/282,575, filed Oct. 27, 2011 and claims priority under 35 USC §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 2010-0119297, filed on Nov. 29, 2010 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- As non-volatile memory devices have become more highly integrated, the parasitic capacitance between word lines may be increased and the channel coupling between active regions may occur. In order to solve the above problems, a method of forming an air gap between the word lines has been developed.
- Example embodiments provide non-volatile memory devices having an air gap for reducing a parasitic capacitance and a channel coupling effectively.
- Example embodiments provide methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device.
- According to some embodiments, there is provided a non-volatile memory device. The non-volatile memory device includes gate structures, an insulation layer pattern and an isolation structure. A substrate includes active regions and field regions alternately and repeatedly formed in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction. Multiple gate structures on the substrate are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Each of the gate structures extends in the second direction. The insulation layer pattern having a second air gap therein is formed between the gate structures. The isolation structures on the substrate in each field region extend in the first direction and have a first air gap between the gate structures, the insulation layer pattern, and the isolation structure.
- In some embodiments, the active regions of the substrate may protrude from the field regions of the substrate.
- Some embodiments provide that the isolation structure may include a liner and a filling layer sequentially stacked on the substrate in each field regions.
- In some embodiments, the liner may surround sidewalls of the protruded active regions and have a cup-shape of which a central portion is empty, and the filling layer may partially fill the empty central portion of the liner.
- Some embodiments provide that the first air gap may be defined by a top surface of the filling layer, a sidewall of the liner, a bottom surface of the gate structures, and a bottom surface of the insulation layer pattern.
- In some embodiments, each of the gate structures may include a tunnel insulation layer pattern, a floating gate electrode, a dielectric layer pattern, and a control gate electrode sequentially stacked on the substrate.
- In some embodiments, the tunnel insulation layer pattern and the floating gate electrode may be formed only in the active regions and the dielectric layer pattern, and the control gate electrode may extend in the second direction in both of the active regions and the field regions.
- Some embodiments provide that the first air gap may be defined by the isolation structure, a bottom surface of the dielectric layer pattern, and a bottom surface of the insulation layer pattern.
- In some embodiments, the first air gap may have a bottom surface lower than that of the tunnel insulation layer pattern and a top surface higher than a bottom surface of the floating gate electrode.
- In some embodiments, the first air gap and second air gaps may be in fluid communication with each other.
- In some embodiments, the insulation layer pattern may be also formed on a top surface of the isolation structure and on bottom surfaces of the gate structures, so that the first air gap may be formed in the insulation layer pattern.
- Some embodiments provide that the first air gap and the second air gap may be in fluid communication with each other.
- In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory device includes spacers on sidewalls of the gate structures, and the insulation layer pattern may be formed between the spacers.
- Some embodiments provide that the first air gap may extend in the first direction, and the second air gap may extend in the second direction.
- According to some embodiments, there are provided methods of manufacturing a non-volatile memory device. In such methods, multiple gate structures are formed on a substrate. The substrate is divided into active regions and field regions alternately and repeatedly formed in a second direction. Each of the active regions and the field regions extends in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The gate structures spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Each of the gate structures extends in the second direction. An insulation layer pattern is formed between the gate structures. The insulation layer pattern has a second air gap therein. An isolation structure is formed on the substrate in each field region. The isolation structures extend in the first direction and have a first air gap between the gate structures, the second insulation layer pattern, and the isolation structure.
- According to some embodiments, there are provided methods of manufacturing a non-volatile memory device. In such methods, a tunnel insulation layer and a floating gate electrode layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. A preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern, a preliminary floating gate electrode, and a trench are formed by respectively etching the tunnel insulation layer, the floating gate electrode layer, and an upper portion of the substrate. A first insulation layer pattern is formed to partially fill the trench. A dielectric layer and a control gate electrode layer are formed on the preliminary floating gate electrode and the first insulation layer pattern. The control gate electrode layer, the dielectric layer, the preliminary floating gate electrode, and the preliminary tunnel dielectric layer pattern are patterned to form gate structures including a control gate electrode, a dielectric layer pattern, a floating gate electrode, and a tunnel dielectric layer pattern and to partially expose the first insulation layer structure pattern. A first air gap is formed by removing the exposed the first insulation layer structure pattern. A second insulation layer pattern is formed between the gate structures, the second insulation layer pattern having a second air gap.
- Some embodiments provide that the first insulation layer structure pattern may partially fill a gap formed between the preliminary tunnel dielectric layer pattern and the preliminary floating gate electrode.
- In some embodiments, the first insulation layer structure pattern may include a liner, a first filling layer, and a second filling layer. The liner may cover an inside of the trench, a sidewall of the preliminary tunnel insulation layer pattern, and a portion of a sidewall of the preliminary floating gate electrode. The liner may have an empty cup-shape. The first filling layer on the liner partially may fill the liner. The second filling layer on the first filling layer may fill a remaining portion of the liner.
- Some embodiments provide that forming a first air gap by partially removing the first insulation layer structure pattern may include removing the second filling layer.
- In some embodiments, the first air gap and the second air gap may be connected to each other.
- According to some embodiments, a non-volatile memory device may have a relatively low channel coupling by a first air gap between active regions. Some embodiments provide that the non-volatile memory device may have a relatively low parasitic capacitance by a second air gap between word lines. Accordingly, the non-volatile memory device may have good electrical characteristics.
- It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.
- The accompanying figures are included to provide a further understanding of the present inventive concept, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Example embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 16 represent non-limiting, example embodiments as described herein. -
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the non-volatile memory device inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the non-volatile memory device inFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 4 to 8 are cross-sectional views illustrating methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device inFIGS. 1 to 3 in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. -
FIGS. 9 to 12 are perspective views illustrating methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device inFIGS. 1 to 3 in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the non-volatile memory device inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. -
FIG. 16 a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. - Various example embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some example embodiments are shown. The present inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this description will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.
- It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concept.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
- Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized example embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the present inventive concept.
- Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
- Hereinafter, example embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments,FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the non-volatile memory device inFIG. 1 , andFIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the non-volatile memory device inFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 3 , the non-volatile memory device may include a plurality ofgate structures 200 spaced apart from each other on asubstrate 100 in a first direction, each of which may extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a secondinsulation layer pattern 220 having asecond air gap 222 therein between thegate structures 200, and isolation structures each of which may extend in the first direction and have afirst air gap 146 between thegate structures 200 and the isolation structure. As used herein, the term “air gap” may refer to a void in a structure that includes one or more solid components and is not limited to a particular gaseous composition therein. The non-volatile memory device may further includespacers 190 each of which may be formed on a portion of a sidewall of eachgate structure 200. - The
substrate 100 may be divided into a field region in which the isolation structures may be formed, and an active region in which the isolation structures may not be formed. Each isolation structure may be formed in atrench 130 extending in the first direction on thesubstrate 100, and thus the active region may also extend in the first direction. The active region of thesubstrate 100 may protrude from the field region of thesubstrate 100. The active region and the field region may be formed alternately and repeatedly in the second direction. - Each
gate structure 200 may include a tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 b, a floatinggate electrode 120 b, adielectric layer pattern 160 a and acontrol gate electrode 170 a sequentially stacked on thesubstrate 100 and the isolation structures. - The tunnel
insulation layer patterns 110 b may have an isolated shape from each other in the active regions. That is, a plurality of tunnelinsulation layer patterns 110 b may be formed in the first direction in each active region, and further a plurality of tunnelinsulation layer patterns 110 b may be formed in the second direction in the active regions. The tunnelinsulation layer patterns 110 b may include silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and/or silicon oxide doped with impurities. - The floating
gate electrodes 120 b may be formed on the tunnelinsulation layer patterns 110 b. Thus, the floatinggate electrodes 120 b may also have an isolated shape from each other, i.e., a plurality of floatinggate electrodes 120 b may be formed in both of the first and second directions, respectively. In some embodiments, the floatinggate electrodes 120 b may include polysilicon doped with n-type impurities such as arsenic or phosphorus. - The
dielectric layer patterns 160 a may be formed on the floatinggate electrodes 120 b and the isolation structures in the first direction, and each of thedielectric layer patterns 160 a may extend in the second direction. Thefirst air gap 146 may be formed between the isolation structure and thedielectric layer pattern 160 a. Thedielectric layer patterns 160 a may include silicon oxide or silicon nitride. In some embodiments, eachdielectric layer pattern 160 a may include a multi-layered structure having a siliconoxide layer pattern 162 a, a siliconnitride layer pattern 164 a, and a siliconoxide layer pattern 166 a. Some embodiments provide that eachdielectric layer pattern 160 a may include a metal oxide having a relatively high dielectric constant, thereby to increase capacitance and improve leakage current characteristics. Examples of the metal oxide having a relatively high dielectric constant may include hafnium oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, zirconium oxide, and/or aluminum oxide, among others. These may be used alone or in a combination thereof. - The
control gate electrodes 170 a may be formed on thedielectric layer patterns 160 a. Thus, a plurality ofcontrol gate electrodes 170 a may be formed in the first direction, and each of thecontrol gate electrodes 170 a may extend in the second direction. Some embodiments provide that thecontrol gate electrodes 170 a may serve as word lines. Thecontrol gate electrodes 170 a may include a metal or polysilicon doped with n-type impurities. - Each isolation structure may include a
liner 140 a and afirst filling layer 142. - The
liner 140 a may be formed on an inner wall of thetrench 130 and a sidewall of a lower portion of thegate structure 200. In some embodiments, theliner 140 a may have a top surface higher than that of the tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 b. Thus, theliner 140 a may cover a portion of thesubstrate 100 exposed by thetrench 130, a sidewall of the tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 b and a sidewall of a lower portion of the floatinggate electrode 120 b. Some embodiments provide that theliner 140 a may include an oxide. - The
first filling layer 142 may be formed on a portion of theliner 140 a. Thus, the first filling layer also may extend in the first direction, and a plurality of first filling layers 142 may be formed in the second direction. In some embodiments, thefirst filling layer 142 may not completely fill thetrench 130, and a top surface of thefirst filling layer 142 may be lower than a bottom surface of the tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 b. Thefirst filling layer 142 may include silicon oxide such as boro phospho silicate glass (BPSG), phospho silicate glass (PSG), undoped silicate glass (USG), spin on glass (SOG), flowable oxide (FOX), tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), plasma enhanced-TEOS (PE-TEOS), and/or high-density plasma-chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) oxide, among others. - The
first air gap 146 formed between theliner 140 a, thefirst filling layer 142, thedielectric layer pattern 160 a, the secondinsulation layer pattern 220, and thespacer 190 may extend in the first direction, and a plurality offirst air gaps 146 may be formed in the second direction. The top surface of thefirst filling layer 142 may be lower than the bottom surface of the tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 b, and thus a bottom surface of thefirst air gap 146 may be lower than a bottom surface of thegate structures 200. - As the
first air gap 146 is formed between the active regions of thesubstrate 100, a channel coupling between the active regions may be reduced to improve programming characteristics of the non-volatile memory device. - The second
insulation layer pattern 220 may be formed between thespacers 190 on a portion of sidewalls of thegate structures 200. The secondinsulation layer pattern 220 may extend in the second direction, and a plurality of secondinsulation layer patterns 220 may be formed in the first direction. In some embodiments, the secondinsulation layer pattern 220 may include silicon oxide such as a plasma enhanced oxide (PEOX) or a medium temperature oxide (MTO), among others. - The
second air gap 222 may extend in the second direction. As thesecond air gap 222 is formed between thegate structures 200, a channel coupling between the word lines may be reduced to improve programming characteristics of the non-volatile memory device. - The
spacers 190 may be formed on sidewalls of thedielectric layer pattern 160 a and thecontrol gate electrode 170 a. Thespacers 190 may extend in the second direction. - As described above, a parasitic capacitance and the channel coupling may be reduced by the
first air gap 146 between the active regions and thesecond air gap 222 between the word lines, and thus the non-volatile memory device may have desired programming characteristics. -
FIGS. 4 to 8 are cross-sectional views illustrating methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device inFIGS. 1 to 3 in accordance with some embodiments, andFIGS. 9 to 11 are perspective views illustrating methods of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device inFIGS. 1 to 3 in accordance with some embodiments. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , atunnel insulation layer 110, a floatinggate electrode layer 120, and afirst mask 122 may be formed, sequentially, on asubstrate 100. - The
substrate 100 may include a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon substrate, a germanium substrate and a silicon-germanium substrate, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, and/or a germanium-on-insulator (GOI) substrate, among others. - The
tunnel insulation layer 110 may be formed using silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxide doped with impurities. In some embodiments,tunnel insulation layer 110 may be formed by thermally oxidizing a top surface of thesubstrate 100. - The floating
gate electrode layer 120 may be formed using polysilicon doped with impurities or a metal having a high work function such as tungsten, titanium, cobalt, and/or nickel, among others. In some embodiments, the floatinggate electrode layer 120 may be formed by depositing a polysilicon layer through a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process and doping n-type impurities into the polysilicon layer. In some embodiments, the floatinggate electrode layer 120 may be formed to have a thickness equal to or more than about 1000 Å (Angstroms). - The
first mask 122 may be a photoresist pattern or a hard mask. In some embodiments, thefirst mask 122 may have a linear shape extending in a first direction. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , the floatinggate electrode layer 120 and thetunnel insulation layer 110 and an upper portion of thesubstrate 100 may be sequentially etched using thefirst mask 122 as an etching mask. - Thus, a preliminary tunnel
insulation layer pattern 110 a and a preliminary floatinggate electrode 120 a may be sequentially stacked on thesubstrate 100 and atrench 130 may be formed on thesubstrate 100. Each of the preliminary floatinggate electrode 120 a and the preliminary tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 a may be formed to have a linear shape extending in the first direction, and a plurality of preliminary floatinggate electrodes 120 a and a plurality of preliminary tunnelinsulation layer patterns 110 a may be formed in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Thetrench 130 may extend in the first direction, and a plurality oftrenches 130 spaced apart from each other may be formed in the second direction. - A structure including the preliminary tunnel
insulation layer pattern 110 a, the preliminary floatinggate electrode 120 a and thefirst mask 122 may be defined as a preliminary floating gate structure, and a space between the preliminary floating gate structures may be defined as afirst gap 135. A portion of thesubstrate 100 on which thetrench 130 is formed may be defined as a field region, and a portion of thesubstrate 100 on which thetrench 130 is not formed may be defined as an active region. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , aliner layer 140 may be formed on inner walls of thetrench 130 and thefirst gap 135, and first and second filling layers 142 and 144 filling remaining portions of thetrench 130 and thefirst gap 135 may be sequentially formed on theliner layer 140. The first and second filling layers 142 and 144 and theliner 140 may define a firstinsulation layer structure 150. - In some embodiments, the
liner layer 140 may be formed using an oxide. Widths of thetrench 130 and thefirst gap 135 may be reduced by theliner layer 140. - In some embodiments, the
first filling layer 142 may be formed to have a top surface lower than a bottom surface of the preliminary tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 a. Thefirst filling layer 142 may be formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, a high-density plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) process and/or an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, among others. Thefirst filling layer 142 may be formed using silicon oxide such as boro phospho silicate glass (BPSG), phospho silicate glass (PSG), undoped silicate glass (USG), spin on glass (SOG), flowable oxide (FOX), tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), plasma enhanced-TEOS (PE-TEOS), and/or high-density plasma-chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) oxide, among others. - In some embodiments, the
second filling layer 144 may have a top surface substantially the same height as that of thefirst mask 122. Thesecond filling layer 144 may be formed by a CVD process, a PECVD process, a HDP-CVD process or an ALD process. Thesecond filling layer 144 may be formed using a material having a wet etch selectivity with respect to silicon oxide such as spin-on-hardmask(SOH), spin-on-glass(SOG), anti-carbon-layer(ACL), and/or silicon germanium(SiGe), among others. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , an upper portion of the firstinsulation layer structure 150 may be removed to form a first insulationlayer structure pattern 150 a, and thus an upper portion of the preliminary floating gate structure may be exposed. - Particularly, upper portions of the
liner layer 140 and thesecond filling layer 144 may be removed to form the first insulationlayer structure pattern 150 a, and thus the first insulationlayer structure pattern 150 a may be formed to include aliner 140 a, thefirst filling layer 142, and a secondfilling layer pattern 144 a filling thetrench 130 and a portion of thefirst gap 135. In some embodiments, the first insulationlayer structure pattern 150 a may be formed to have a top surface higher than that of the preliminary tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 a. In some embodiments, the first insulationlayer structure pattern 150 a may be formed by an etch-back process. - The
first mask 122 may be removed. - Referring to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , adielectric layer 160 may be formed on the exposed preliminary floating gate structure and the top surface of the first insulationlayer structure pattern 150 a. A controlgate electrode layer 170 filling a remaining portion of thefirst gap 135 may be formed on thedielectric layer 160. - The
dielectric layer 160 may be formed using silicon oxide or silicon nitride. In some embodiments, thedielectric layer 160 may be formed using a multi-layered structure including asilicon oxide layer 162, asilicon nitride layer 164, and asilicon oxide layer 166. Some embodiments provide that thedielectric layer 160 may be formed using a metal oxide having a relatively high dielectric constant, which may increase capacitance and improve leakage current characteristics. Examples of the metal oxide having a relatively high dielectric constant may include hafnium oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, zirconium oxide, and/or aluminum oxide, among others. - The control
gate electrode layer 170 may be formed using polysilicon doped with impurities, a metal, a metal nitride, and/or a metal silicide, among others. In some embodiments, the controlgate electrode layer 170 may be formed using polysilicon doped with n-type impurities. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , a second mask (not illustrated) having a linear shape extending in the second direction may be formed on the controlgate electrode layer 170. The controlgate electrode layer 170, thedielectric layer 160, the preliminary floatinggate electrode 120 a, and the preliminary tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 a may be etched using the second mask as an etching mask. Thus, a plurality of gate structures, each of which may include a tunnelinsulation layer pattern 110 b, a floatinggate electrode 120 b, adielectric layer pattern 160 a and acontrol gate electrode 170 a sequentially stacked on thesubstrate 100, may be formed in the first direction, and asecond gap 180 may be formed between thegate structures 200. - In some embodiments, the tunnel
insulation layer patterns 110 b and the floatinggate electrodes 120 b may be formed to have an island shape in the active region on thesubstrate 100. Ones of thedielectric layer patterns 160 a and thecontrol gate electrodes 170 a may be formed to extend in the second direction. Thus, thecontrol gate electrodes 170 a may serve as word lines. - Referring to
FIG. 11 ,spacers 190 may be formed on sidewalls of thegate structures 200. - In some embodiments, the
spacers 190 may be formed using silicon oxide or silicon nitride. While performing an etching process, damage to the tunnelinsulation layer patterns 110 b and thedielectric layer patterns 160 a included in thegate structures 200 may be reduced or prevented by thespacers 190. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , the secondfilling layer pattern 144 a may be removed. - In some embodiments, the second
filling layer pattern 144 a may be removed using a wet etching solution having a relatively high etch selectivity between thefirst filling layer 142 and the secondfilling layer pattern 144 a. Thus, not only the secondfilling layer pattern 144 a exposed by thesecond gap 180 but also the secondfilling layer pattern 144 a under thedielectric layer pattern 160 a and thecontrol gate electrode 170 a may be removed, and athird gap 146 may be formed to extend in the first direction. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 to 3 , a secondinsulation layer pattern 220 partially filling thesecond gap 180 may be formed between thegate structures 200. - Particularly, a process having a relatively low step coverage may be performed using silicon oxide such as a plasma enhanced oxide (PEOX) or a medium temperature oxide (MTO) so that a second insulation layer partially filling the
second gap 180 may be formed on and between thegate structures 200. Thus, asecond air gap 222 may be formed in the second insulation layer. In some embodiments, thesecond air gap 222 may be formed to extend in the second direction. An upper portion of the second insulation layer on thegate structures 200 may be removed to form the secondinsulation layer pattern 220. - In some embodiments, the second
insulation layer pattern 220 may not be formed in thethird gap 146. Hereinafter, thethird gap 146 may be referred to as afirst air gap 146 and, as described above, thefirst air gap 146 may extend in the first direction. As described above, thefirst air gap 146 may be formed to have a bottom surface lower than those of thegate structures 200. Thefirst air gap 146 may be formed to have a top surface higher than a bottom surface of the floatinggate electrode 120 b. - The
liner 140 a and thefirst filling layer 142 may be formed between the active regions to form an isolation structure. Thefirst air gap 146 may be located between thedielectric layer pattern 160 a and the isolation structure. - Wirings such as a common source line (not illustrated), a bit line (not illustrated), etc. may be formed to complete the non-volatile memory device.
-
FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments, andFIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the non-volatile memory device inFIG. 13 . The non-volatile memory device may be substantially the same as or similar to a non-volatile memory device ofFIG. 1 , except for shapes of a second insulation layer pattern and a first air gap. Thus, like reference numerals refer to like elements, and detailed descriptions thereabout may be omitted here. - Referring to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , a secondinsulation layer pattern 225 may be formed not only betweenspacers 190 but also on a top surface of afirst filling layer 142, sidewalls ofliner 140 a, and a bottom surface of adielectric layer pattern 160 a, and thus the secondinsulation layer pattern 225 may include not only asecond air gap 222 but also afirst air gap 152 therein. A portion of the secondinsulation layer pattern 225 adjacent theliner 140 a, thefirst filling layer 142, and thefirst air gap 152 may be included in an isolation structure. - The non-volatile memory device may be fabricated by methods substantially the same as or similar to methods illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 4 to 11 . - That is, after performing processes substantially the same as or similar to processes illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 4 to 11 , a second insulation layer may be formed, and an upper portion of the second insulation layer may be removed to form a secondinsulation layer pattern 225. The second insulation layer may be formed on an inner wall of athird gap 146, and thus the secondinsulation layer pattern 225 including first andsecond air gaps -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments. The non-volatile memory device may be substantially the same as or similar to a non-volatile memory device ofFIG. 1 , except for shapes of a second insulation layer pattern and a second air gap. Thus, like reference numerals refer to like elements and detailed descriptions thereabout may be omitted here. - Referring to
FIG. 15 , asecond air gap 224 may be in fluid communication with afirst air gap 146 to form a firstair gap structure 230. Thus, thesecond air gap 224 may not be completely surrounded by a secondinsulation layer pattern 227. That is, thesecond air gap 224 may be a recess beneath a lower portion of the secondinsulation layer pattern 227. - The non-volatile memory device may be fabricated by methods substantially the same as or similar to methods illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 4 to 11 . - That is, after performing processes substantially the same as or similar to processes illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 4 to 11 , a second insulation layer may be formed, and an upper portion of the second insulation layer may be removed to form a secondinsulation layer pattern 227. The second insulation layer may be formed so that asecond air gap 224 may be in fluid communication with afirst air gap 146, and thus the non-volatile memory device may be fabricated. -
FIG. 16 a perspective view illustrating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with some embodiments. The non-volatile memory device may be substantially the same as or similar to a non-volatile memory device ofFIG. 1 , except for shapes of a second insulation layer pattern and a second air gap. Thus, like reference numerals refer to like elements and detailed descriptions thereabout may be omitted here. - Referring to
FIG. 16 , a secondinsulation layer pattern 229 may be formed not only betweenspacers 190 but also on a top surface of afirst filling layer 142, sidewalls of aliner 140 a, and a bottom surface of adielectric layer pattern 160 a, and thus the secondinsulation layer pattern 229 may include afirst air gap 152 therein. A portion of the secondinsulation layer pattern 229 adjacent theliner 140 a, thefirst filling layer 142, and thefirst air gap 152 may be included in an isolation structure. Asecond air gap 224 may be in fluid communication with thefirst air gap 152, and thus a secondair gap structure 235 may be formed. - The non-volatile memory device may be fabricated by methods substantially same as or similar to methods illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 4 to 11 . - That is, after performing processes substantially the same as or similar to processes illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 4 to 11 , a second insulation layer may be formed, and an upper portion of the second insulation layer may be removed to form a secondinsulation layer pattern 229. The second insulation layer may be formed on an inner wall of athird gap 146, and thus the secondinsulation layer pattern 229 including afirst air gaps 152 therein may be formed. The second insulation layer may be formed so that asecond air gap 224 may be in fluid communication with afirst air gap 152, and thus the non-volatile memory device may be fabricated. - The foregoing is illustrative of example embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present inventive concept. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventive concept as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (6)
1-14. (canceled)
15. A method of manufacturing a non-volatile memory device, comprising:
forming a plurality of gate structures on a substrate that includes active regions and field regions that are alternately and repeatedly formed in a second direction, each of the active regions and the field regions extending in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second direction, the plurality of gate structures spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and ones of the plurality of gate structures extending in the second direction;
forming an insulation layer pattern between the gate structures, the insulation layer pattern having a second air gap therein; and
forming an isolation structure on the substrate in each field region, the isolation structure extending in the first direction and having a first air gap between the gate structures, the insulation layer pattern, and the isolation structure.
16. The method according to claim 15 , wherein forming the isolation structure comprises:
forming a liner on respective sidewalls of lower portions of ones of the plurality of gate structures; and
forming a filling layer on a portion of the liner.
17. The method according to claim 15 , wherein the first air gap extends in the first direction, and
wherein the second air gap extends in the second direction.
18. The method according to claim 17 , wherein the first air gap comprises a plurality of first air gaps that extend in the second direction, and
wherein second air gap comprises a plurality of second air gaps that are extend in the first direction.
19. The method according to claim 15 , wherein the first air gap is in fluid communication with the second air gap.
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US20100230741A1 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Semiconductor devices with an air gap in trench isolation dielectric |
US20110309426A1 (en) * | 2010-06-20 | 2011-12-22 | Vinod Robert Purayath | Metal Control Gate Structures And Air Gap Isolation In Non-Volatile Memory |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140138761A1 (en) * | 2012-11-16 | 2014-05-22 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device |
US9748332B1 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2017-08-29 | Macronix International Co., Ltd. | Non-volatile semiconductor memory |
Also Published As
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KR20120057794A (en) | 2012-06-07 |
US20120132982A1 (en) | 2012-05-31 |
CN102479811A (en) | 2012-05-30 |
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